Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Cary, NC (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Atlanta is 10% cheaper than Cary.

$1,617/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ≈ Same
$81,938/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 58%
$420,600 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 25%
$1,695/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 3%
499,287
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $47,461/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Cary slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Cary — common questions

Is Atlanta or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Atlanta is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Cary?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $4/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Cary?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $47,461/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and North Carolina?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Atlanta details → View Cary details →

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